What Is Psoriasis? Do I Have It?

Question: What Is Psoriasis?

Answer: Psoriasis is characterised by the presence of red, raised patches covered by silvery-white scales, which is caused by an abnormally fast cell division rate in the epidermis layer of the skin and is a genetically determined disorder. This condition often leads to increased shedding of hairs in the telogen (resting) phase of the hair cycle and some reduction in hair density.

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What Is Dandruff? It Is Pityriasis Simplex. But What Is Dandruff?

Question: What Is Dandruff? 

Answer: Pityriasis simplex is known more commonly as dandruff. It is characterised by the excessive shedding of the scalp’s epidermal cells, which leads to visible flaking or scaling. These scales can accumulate on the surface of the scalp in localized patches or more diffusely. The exact cause is uncertain, although the bacteria pityrosporum ovale and increased sebaceous activity have been suggested as factors.

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Is There A Cure For Hair Loss? Yes.

Questions: Is There A Cure For Hair Loss?

Answer: Yes. Depending on your type of hair loss: how much hair you have lost and your general health treatments are available. If you are currently taking a medicine that is causing you hair loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine without this side effect. Early diagnosis and treating an infection or long term scalp disorder may help stop the hair loss. Correcting a hormone imbalance will certainly help and may prevent further hair loss.

Prescription medicines and drugs prescribed by a trichologist will also help slow or prevent the development of both male and female pattern baldness. One drug that is available is minoxidil (Regaine), this is now available without a prescription but at lower strength than on private prescription. It is applied to the scalp twice a day. Both men and women can use it. Another medicine, finasteride (Propecia), is available with a prescription, and can only be used by men, but has lots of potential side effects. It comes in a pill form for men. It may take up to 12 months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working.

Always consult a trichologist for independent advice before starting any medicines or treatments.

If treatment is not an option for your type of hair loss, you may consider trying different hairstyles, wigs, hairpieces, hair weaves or some sort of artificial hair replacement.

Again, always consult a trichologist for independent advice before starting a hair replacement system as they are very expensive to make and maintain.

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What Is Pseudopelade? Can I Catch It?

Question: What Is Pseudopelade? Can I Catch It?

Answer: Pseudopelade is characterised by the development of small, smooth patches without any clinical changes other than transient erythema (redness). The initial patch is usually on the crown of the head, but can occur anywhere on the scalp. It is generally regarded as a clinical syndrome, which may be the end result of any one of a number of different pathological processes due to a weakened immune system.

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